John Claggett Townshend

John Claggett Townshend, beloved husband and father, passed away on May 24. 2026 at 88 years of age. John was born to the late Catherine Beanes Claggett Townshend and Harold Clayton Townshend on December 2, 1937, in Washington, DC.

In his young years he helped on the family farm in Clinton, MD. He soon found out that this was not his calling. He attended Gwyn Park High School in Brandywine, MD. John worked at various jobs and found his niche at People’s Insurance. He excelled in the business and became a manager in Waldorf, MD.

John met Barbara Jane when he placed her policy and a few days later called her for a date. They married on February 1, 2002, at the Leonardtown courthouse and enjoyed 24 years of marriage and lived in Breton Bay. John loved the outdoors and took pride in his lawn, and if one leaf dared to land, he would immediately go outside and remove the interloper. He then worked at Breton Bay Inn for 20 years as a bartender. He loved his job and his outgoing personality made him many friends. After his second retirement he had time to go fishing and boating with family and friends. Every Mother’s Day his son and grandson took him crabbing on the Wicomico River, cooking and eating them.

John loved Solomon’s Island, MD and rode there every day to make sure all was good with the island. His special friend Bruce Montgomery, who revisited frequently took him boating when he was no longer able. They sat on the deck drinking Bud Light and reminisced about their adventures about fishing in Hatteras Island waters and the Chesapeake Bay.

John was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and he and Barbara tackled this disease as best they could and ultimately the battle was lost at The Dove House in Westminster, MD. He was surrounded by his family who lived there in Westminster, MD.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, his two sons John Randall (Randy) of Richmond, VA, and Troy Justin (Britany) of Westminster, MD. His brothers Edgar (Eddie) Townshend (Karen), and nephews Daniel, Clay and Clint, and many cousins. He was the proud grandfather of Trace, Troy, Jr, Haley and Hilton Montgomery. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Harold (Mick).

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. Where a Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 PM in the Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Peter Ackerman officiating. Interment will be private.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.